The Cincinnati Bengals are set to face off against the Chicago Bears on Saturday as the NFL Preseason continues to unfold. This matchup will mark the Bengals’ second preseason game, while the Bears will be playing their third. In their previous outing, the Bengals lost 17-14 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whereas the Bears secured a convincing 33-7 victory against the Buffalo Bills. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 PM EST on Saturday.
Cincinnati Heads to Chicago with Burrow Ready
The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their second preseason game of 2024 against the Bears. Following a disappointing 2023 season that saw All-Pro quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined due to wrist surgery, fans can now breathe a sigh of relief as Burrow returns to full health. The Bengals are eager to make another Super Bowl run, reminiscent of their 2021 season. With Burrow back on the field, the presence of star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, along with the acquisition of tight end Mike Gesicki, signals a return to a high-octane offense.
For the first time in nearly ten years, the Bengals will feature a new primary running back following Joe Mixon’s departure. Zack Moss joins Chase Brown to form a formidable backfield by committee. The Bengals also drafted offensive lineman Amarius Mims from Georgia to strengthen their line. However, Mims suffered a pec injury in the first preseason game, sidelining him for several weeks.
The Bengals’ defense is a work in progress, showing improvement in 2023. The defensive front, led by Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson, aims to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A weak secondary remains a concern, making it essential for the front four to contribute effectively.
In their preseason opener, the Bengals fell short against the Buccaneers, managing just 36 rushing yards on 13 carries for an average of 2.8 yards per carry. This statistic could prompt an increased focus on the running game in the upcoming matchup. Through the air, the Bengals completed 23 of 37 passes for 252 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per pass play. With Burrow backed up by Jake Browning, who performed well last season, the team has depth at the quarterback position. However, the Bengals faced challenges with penalties, committing eight for 61 yards and turning the ball over once. The defense managed to force one turnover and recorded three sacks.
Injury Report: Offensive lineman Amarius Mims is out. Wide receiver Charlie Jones, defensive lineman Sam Hubbard, defensive tackle Domenique Davis, and defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson are questionable.
Bears Show Strength with Williams at Helm
The Chicago Bears, led by head coach Matt Eberflus, are off to an impressive start this preseason. Though wins don’t count in the standings, the Bears have displayed enthusiasm and efficiency, winning both games so far. Their recent 33-7 victory over the Bills showcased the talents of first overall draft pick Caleb Williams, who is now at the helm of the Bears’ offense.
Williams will work with several new teammates, joining established players like wide receiver DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet. The addition of wide receiver Rome Udunze from Washington, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, and running back D’Andre Swift provides Williams with a diverse array of offensive weapons. With a solid offensive line in front of him, expectations are high for the Bears’ new quarterback.
On the defensive side, DE Montez Sweat leads the charge, entering his first full season with the Bears after being acquired midseason last year. Alongside strong safeties Jack Sanborn and Kevin Byard III, the Bears aim to build on their defensive improvement from last season.
In their most recent game against the Bills, the Bears excelled in both running and passing. They recorded 31 carries for 141 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, which will help alleviate pressure on Williams. The Bears completed 12 of 21 passes for 199 yards, averaging an impressive nine yards per catch. They did not turn the ball over but committed eight penalties for 55 yards.
Injury Report: Guard Nate Davis, long snapper Patrick Scales, and offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie are questionable.
Best Bets for Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago Bears
While the Bears’ 2-0 record provides a sense of momentum, the Bengals are likely to approach this game with caution regarding Burrow’s playing time as he recovers from surgery. It’s wise to avoid putting him in risky situations while the offensive line adjusts to Mims’ injury. The Bengals are expected to emphasize their running game after an underwhelming performance against the Buccaneers, which could limit their explosive plays.
The Bears, on the other hand, demonstrated creativity in their offense against the Bills, indicating they may continue to innovate as Williams settles into his role. With a strong running game and depth at quarterback, they have a favorable outlook. Eberflus holds a 6-2 preseason record as a head coach, while Bengals coach Zac Taylor sits at 3-10 following the loss to Tampa Bay. The Bears’ preseason victories are vital for building team morale, and this trend is likely to continue in their upcoming matchup.
